When my wife and I and our best friends traveled to Ireland a few years ago I drove the rental car the entire time. I enjoyed being behind the wheel, learning to let people whiz by on my right side and drive roads as narrow as a bike path. But, my least favorite statement was…“Everyone but Jack look!”
They trusted my driving… to a point. Driving half off the road to pass oncoming vehicles, maneuvering hairpin turns with no guard rails and drop-offs that knotted your stomach did not leave them wanting me enjoying scenery. They wanted my full attention on the road. My wife would laugh and say the four words I started hating. The three of them would oogle over stunning vistas, classic Irish homesteads, pastures with painted sheep running everywhere and so many other incredible scenes. I was stuck making sure we got where they were going safely. Even then I still did about $10,000 worth of damage on a $50,000 Land Rover (that’s a whole ‘nother story and still claim it wasn’t my fault).
The picture you see above is from the North Channel of Lake Huron on the top of Benjamin Island. It is now my favorite place ever except for The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
OK, so what does this have to do with owning and operating a coffee bar? Nothing. Everything. It has to do with getting away from said coffee bar. Whether you realize it or not you are no good to your business if you don’t get a break from it. If your whole life is wrapped around making drinks, serving customers and dealing with employees you will miss the forest for the trees. You need time to get refreshed. You need time to allow those great ideas to surface. My best ideas usually come when I am away from the business.
I was on a sailing trip with my son the third week of June and had a marvelous time. I travel to the U.P. of Michigan every year and love it. And although this trip was officially an international trip into Canada I really consider it the same general area as the U.P. We had a great time of refreshing, beautiful weather and sailed with a great group from a church I barely know. If you want to see more pictures of the trip, check out my flickr website (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpscoffee/sets/72157605789628344/show/).
So take some time this summer (unless you just opened your store, then get back to work and don’t even think about getting away… for a while) and get away. Have fun, relax and let the brain mellow out. I think you’ll find it refreshing and your business will benefit.
You may even see the forest.
Ciao
Filed under: Coffee
